GB1151265A - Apparatus for the Controlled Cooling of Metal Sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

1,151,265. Automatic cooling systems. OLIN MATHIESON CHEMICAL CORP. Aug. 9, 1966, No. 35532/66. Heading G3R. [Also in Division C7] Apparatus for controllably quenching metal sheet or strip to a predetermined temperature comprises an elongated enclosure through which the metal is conveyed and in which there are located spray means supplied by liquid coolant under pressure, the extent of application of the liquid (either volume of liquid or sprayed area) being varied by control means in order to achieve the requisite cooling. The control means may be manually operated, but are preferably governed by a computer into which the appropriate information about strip composition, thickness, and speed, coolant temperature, expected initial strip temperature and desired final temperature are fed, the computer also receiving signals from sensors monitoring the operating variables and emitting a signal is a controller which effects appropriate adjustment to the cooling system. As shown in Fig. 2, the spray means is divided into three separate zones 46, 48 and 50 each having different spray characteristics, the sprays in each zone being connected their own main manifold 58A, 58B, 58C, manifolds 58A and 58B being connected through pressure regulating valves 70, 72 and 74 with pump 60A, while low-pressure manifold is connected to pump 60B. Computer 80, Fig. 8, is supplied with predetermined information by inputs 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, while it also receives at 94, 96 signals from the sensors 98, 100 which monitor the entry and exit temperatures of the strip. In response to the signal received from the computer, pneumatic control means 108 adjusts the setting of valve 76 or of valves 70 and 72 in sequence. In an alternative form Fig. 9 (not shown) each manifold 56 is provided with a valve 150, and control means 208 acts to open or close these valves according to the cooling effect needed. So that the cooling system may be pre-set before the arrival of the strip to the approximate conditions required, there are provided opposite to sensors 98, 100 electrically heated control plates 134, 136 which are manually set to and thermostatically controlled at the expected initial and the desired final temperatures respectively.